The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck just below the Adam’s apple. The endocrine system is responsible for coordinating many of your body’s activities. The thyroid gland manufactures hormones that regulate your body’s metabolism.Several different disorders can arise when your thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism). Thyroid disorders are included:
Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormones. It is also called underactive thyroid. This slows down many of your body’s functions, like your metabolism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease. In people with Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid. Symptoms of hypothyroidism including:
Hyporthyroidism treated: Hypothyroidism is treated with medicine that gives your body the thyroid hormone it needs to work normally.
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, causes your thyroid to make more thyroid hormone than your body needs. This speeds up many of your body’s functions, like your metabolism and heart rate. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease. Symptoms of hypothyroidism including:
Hyperthyroidism treated: Your doctor’s choice of treatment will depend on your symptoms and the cause of your hyperthyroidism. Treatments include: